October 15th Town Board (cont)
NEW BUSINESS
The Board briefly discussed proposed changes in property tax exemptions for low income / disabled individuals, low income senior property owners, and veterans and indicated general agreement to act on the Town Assessor recommendations (presented at the last meeting). These proposed changes will be addressed at the next workshop meeting and brought to a Public Hearing. In a related discussion, the board clarified that none of the non-profit organizations located within town boundaries currently makes payments to the Town in lieu of taxes (PILOT), which was identified as a potential source of income for the Town.
PUBLIC COMMENT
One speaker expressed disappointment that the Housing Committee is “scaling back” the Planned Residential Development proposal, and questioned how much public input had been made on the matter. He pointed out that such a move ignores the reality that housing for working class people is minimal in Chatham.
The same speaker asked about the rationale for recent paving of town dirt roads where only parts of certain roads are being paved. Percy Hill Road and Daley Road are two of the roads where this has occurred.
Highway Superintendent Fetzer asked the board if the traffic from I90 could be rerouted to exit onto Hartigan Road directly to Rte. 295, rather than at the northern end of the Taconic Parkway where the exit leads to Rock City Road.
A request for the posting of committee meetings from all committees.
An observation that increased traffic on Daley Road seems to be related to an increase in programming at the Flying Deer camp. The camp’s website indicates they are running a year round school program. There was a question as to whether the program may be operating above and beyond the Special Use Permit that was originally granted for the camp.
Planning Board Chair Sperry asked regarding the possible subdivision of the town property on Route 295 if there is a developer who has expressed interest in the property. Member Eaton said there is not a developer identified, but there are clear uses at present that could be a basis for subdivision: the Town Hall property, the disc golf course park, a landfill area already are parts of the larger property. He said that the property has to be “sorted out” to allow for potential development in the future.
A question re: where one can find: Reports on File; response was to ask the Town Clerk for access.
A question if a change in property tax exemptions would impact the property tax assessment for taxpayers for 2027 was answered: it would affect the 2028 property tax.
In the second public comment segment:
One speaker said that she would prefer to spend money allocated to the Assistant Superintendent position at the Highway Department allocated to Crellin Park for improvements.
A question and clarification: the Town Historian position is still open.
IN FORMAL BUSINESS:
The board made two appointments to advertised positions:
Carol Campbell to the 16 hours per week Clerk / Typist position for the Highway Department
Lacie Edwards to the 19 hours per week Clerk / Typist position for the Building Department
The board moved the 2027 Tentative Budget to the Preliminary Budget phase and scheduled a Public Hearing on the budget for November 5, 2026 at 6:30 pm. The public hearing will also accept comments on various contracts between the Town of Chatham and the several fire departments (Village of Chatham FD, Niverville FD, Tri-Village Fire Company, East Chatham Fire Company, and Red Rock Fire Company) and the Chatham Rescue Squad and the Valatie Rescue Squad. Board Member Simonetti clarified that even though she is a member of the Tri-Village Fire Company, she was not a participant in the development of the TFC budget proposal, and that her vote on the Town of Chatham budget would not be affected by her membership in the TFC.
The board agreed to request a speed reduction on SR 66 in Malden Bridge to 40 mph from 55 mph for a five mile segment of that road as it enters the hamlet from the intersection of Rte. 66 and Richmond Road.
The board appointed applicant John Breault to the Parks & Recreation Citizens’ Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
In standard business, the board approved town board minutes for September 3 and September 17 meetings; accepted the Town Accountant’s financial supervisor’s report; and accepted the financial abstract as presented to pay the town’s bills.
Following the second Public Comment segment, the board adjourned to an executive session; Supervisor Collins said there would be no decisions made in the session, and no announcements following it for the public.
Readers can view a video of the October 15, 2026 Town Board meeting HERE. The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2026 at 6:30 pm, in person at Town Hall or online / by phone.
Go to the town calendar links for the Agenda for the November 5, 2026 Town Board meeting, including a Public Hearing on the 2027 budget, and for information on how to attend online or by phone.